Community Profile: Kathryn Trowbridge

Name and a little bit about you:

My name is Kathryn Antigone Trowbridge and I go by KAT at BIS Abu Dhabi. 
 
Where is “home” for you?

The US is home, primarily Arizona in the Southwest but I have lived in Texas and outside Washington DC.
 
What do you do in Abu Dhabi?

I read/listen to audiobooks, play video games, travel, visit family, socialise. I love technology and like to learn about new gadgets and try out new hobbies all the time. Recently it was 3D printing and casting resin dice.
 
What brought your family to Abu Dhabi?

We moved to Abu Dhabi with my husband’s job at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi in 2014. I was very keen to have my children spend some time living abroad. My eldest son and my daughter both graduated with the IB Diploma and then went to the University of Arizona.
 
Tell us something that few people know about you:

I don’t know if this is not well known… give me 30 seconds and I usually will explain that being a Librarian is my second career. I worked in libraries and bookstores from high school through and even after grad school, but I did not want to be a Librarian when everything was on paper. It wasn’t until the Internet and World Wide Web became commonplace that I kindled a love for information. I went to Law School and have a Juris Doctorate. I practiced law for the US government as both a prosecutor and as a judge for several years before we decided to move to Abu Dhabi. Once that decision was made, I went back to school to get a Master’s degree in Information (which is where Librarianship is now found). I love research and helping people and while I do enjoy reading, I really enjoy STORIES the most – however I can consume them.
 
What is your favourite thing about being a part of the BIS Abu Dhabi community?

Having worked in several schools and having children in several others, I am always really impressed by the care the teachers and students at BIS Abu Dhabi show each other. This is a very positive community and a real joy to work in. 
 
What tips or advice would you give to new families joining BIS Abu Dhabi?

Take advantage of the Coffee Mornings and events offered to get to know the staff and other parents. BIS Abu Dhabi will quickly feel like one of your Abu Dhabi homes.
 
What do you enjoy most about living in Abu Dhabi?

I am a desert dweller, but I really love that this desert has ocean views. The city is incredibly beautiful and takes advantage of the seaside location with great parks and beautiful buildings.
 
Anything else you would like to share?

With the Secondary School in general, the library is heavily promoting reading for pleasure. All the evidence is that students who read more do better in every part of life.  I would like to encourage parents to read in front of their children, ask them about their library books, encourage them to read for fun. Most importantly, please support your children in whatever type of story they find interesting, even if it is one YOU don’t care for.

Kathryn Trowbridge, Librarian 

Return to the Newsletter here.